Countryman Dining

Watch the picturesque Hampshire countryside drift by as you enjoy a traditional Sunday roast with all the family! The delicious three course luncheon is served in sumptuous dining carriages on select Sundays.

The Countryman uses a pair of British Railways MK1 Open Saloons, once operating on routes in the North of England. With the bulk of trains formed of side corridor compartment coaches, these vehicles with a central aisle were often used in conjunction with a catering vehicle to provide a reserved seating area for the service of complete meals : breakfasts, lunches and dinners appropriate to the time of day. The Saloons have been upgraded to First Class standards and with the Kitchen Car running as part of a service train, give an impression of train travel 50 years ago. So sit back, relax and enjoy!

The Countryman operates on select Sundays throughout the year, departing Alresford station at 1.00 pm sharp; returning after two round trips, at around 4.30 pm.
First Class train fare and meal only £50 per adult and £45 per child, booked per table of two or four.
Children must be over the age of 5 on this service.

Booking Information

All of our dining trains are advance booking only. As these trains are immensely popular we recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment.
Due to the fixed seating layout bookings are made per complete table of two or table of four.
Bookings can only be made with full payment.

Prices include train fare and meal but exclude drinks. Wines, spirits, beer and soft drinks are available from the wine waiting staff at extra cost. Diners may bring their own wine and champagne but will be charged corkage per bottle at:£13 wine/£18 champagne/£25 wine box.

To assist our staff in making the most of your visit, please indicate at the end of the booking if there is a special celebration and provide us with the name of the person or persons for whom this is a special occasion.

Menus and Dietary Requirements
All of our dining trains have a fixed menu which will be available on the website for each particular date. If you require the vegetarian option this must be ordered in advance. To avoid embarrassment on the day, please give details at least one week prior if any member of your party has any special dietary requirements or allergies that require a different meal to be provided, eg: vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, no nuts, no red meat, no mushrooms, no shellfish, etc. Please note that it is impossible for us to provide an alternative to the fixed menu if we are only advised on the day.

Departure Times
Lunch dining trains depart Alresford Station at 1.00pm sharp returning to Alresford Station approximately 4.30pm unless otherwise stated.
Meals are served during two round trips on the line. Please allow good time to park and arrive at Alresford station prior to your departure.

Dress Code
All of our dining trains have a smart dress code – shirts and jackets for the gentlemen, dresses or smart trousers for the ladies. Strictly no jeans or trainers please.

Cancellations
We regret that there can be no refund for ‘no show’ customers. Cancellations notified in writing, at least four weeks before the booked date will be refunded less a £10 admin fee; shorter notice cancellations are not entitled to a refund but the company will try to re-sell the tickets. If a purchaser is found then the cost, less an administration charge of £10, will be refunded.

Accessibility
Customers with limited mobility can use their wheelchair to board the service but, due to the internal dimensions of our dining carriages, wheelchairs cannot then be used for access to seats or for mobility once on board.

Children
On Countryman dining trains we have a minimum age of 5. Due to safety restrictions we cannot accommodate highchairs or booster seats, nor can children be seated on laps.

Please Note
Whilst every effort is made to haul the dining trains by steam locomotive and use the coaches as described, there may be the need to use diesel power and/or alternative coaching stock subject to necessity. The company reserves the right to make such changes for whatever reason and without prior notice being given.